Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Georgia

Georgia: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the day the tenant vacated. Interest: no. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: 3x the amount withheld. (O.C.G.A. 44-7-30 to 44-7-37)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the day the tenant vacated.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, late fees, lease break fee, unpaid utilities, other lease obligations, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 3x the amount withheld if the refund or statement is late.
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent.
Who it covers: Exemption (44-7-36): natural person owning ten or fewer units, not managed by a third party for a fee, is exempt from 44-7-31, -32, -33 and -35 (escrow, lists, penalties) but not from the 30-day rule in 44-7-34.

The rule text

Within 30 days after obtaining possession of the premises as provided in subsection (b) of Code Section 44-7-33, a landlord shall return to the tenant the full security deposit which was deposited with the landlord by the tenant.

O.C.G.A. 44-7-34(a). Source: O.C.G.A. 44-7-34 Return of security deposit, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Georgia's official code is Lexis-hosted; text read on FindLaw (current as of 2024-03-28). The cap text was read in the HB 404 committee substitute, not the enrolled act; effective date from secondary sources.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the day the tenant vacated.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: O.C.G.A. 44-7-30 to 44-7-37 (Georgia)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under O.C.G.A. 44-7-30 to 44-7-37.

Settle a deposit in Georgia

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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